Thanks to the generosity of Mackinac Associates members, Mackinac State Historic Parks has been able to advance a variety of its educational and curatorial goals. Below is just a sampling of the projects made possible with member support.
Education Each year, parks interpreters take to the road to present Mackinac's rich cultural and natural history in classrooms across the state. Mackinac Associates have funded scholarships to help schools pay for these programs.
Exhibits Mackinac Associates are responsible for funding an exhibit in Fort Mackinac's North Blockhouse commemorating the first land battle of the War of 1812, when the British surprised American forces with an assault from above the fort.
Interpretation The presence of a park naturalist/interpreter at Historic Mill Creek is due in no small measure to the support of Mackinac Associates. Children and adults alike enjoy the interactive "Creatures of the Forest" program that the naturalist presents in a clearing overlooking the sawmill.
Publications Mackinac Associates sponsored the printing of a Mackinac State Historic Parks' publication--"Keys to the Past: Archaeological Treasures of Mackinac"--authored by the parks' archaeologist and featuring the most intriguing and unique artifacts discovered in the Straits of Mackinac.
Restoration With friends' support, the parks were able to enhance the authenticity of Ste. Anne's inside Colonial Michilimackinac. Custom-designed benches were built and a baptismal font with copper bowl was created, making the interior more consistent with the French colonial period.